On hot summer days, people, enveloped in the blistering heat emanating from the concrete ground, seem to be swallowed up by the heat. Why don't we escape from the city and go to the mountainous area to stretch our bodies, relax and enjoy the coolness and mountain breezes?
Gaoting Mountain 皋亭山
Address: Gaoting Mountain Scenic Area, Tianhe Road, Shangcheng District 上城区天河路皋亭山景区
Gaoting Mountain, 361.1 metres above sea level, is located in the northeast of Hangzhou, and is a part of Tianmu Mountain Range winding eastwards. Although it is not very high, Gaoting Mountain is steep and winding, and the lush green vegetation on the mountain is like a natural air conditioner.
The hiking trail on the mountain is 30 kilometres long, extending across three mountains from west to east: Huanghe Mountain, Yuanbao Mountain and Gaoting Mountain.
Hangzhou Banshan National Forest Park 杭州半山国家森林公园
Address: Hangzhou Banshan National Forest Park, Gongshu District 拱墅区杭州半山国家森林公园
90.1% of Hangzhou Banshan National Forest Park is covered by forests and the park stretches for more than 10 km from west to northeast. On hot summer days, it becomes a "natural air conditioner," with forests, streams and mountain breezes. You can enjoy the coolness of nature to the fullest.
Walk along the forest path and be accompanied by cool breezes from the deep forests and the chirping cicadas. It is indeed an ideal summer getaway.
Xishan National Forest Park 西山国家森林公园
Address: Xishan National Forest Park, Xihu District 西湖区西山国家森林公园
With a total area of 1,775 hectares, 95.3% of Xishan National Forest Park is covered by forests. Therefore it has a large number of negative oxygen ions in the air. Its average annual temperature is only 16.2°C and the average annual humidity is 80%. With such a beautiful environment and good air quality, it is indeed a summer sanctuary that should not be missed.
Along the way, there are many attractions such as Ten Miles Dragon Ridge and Baili Ruyi. And tourists can also get to the nearby small villages to enjoy farm food. This is one of the most interesting hiking routes in Hangzhou, with villages, temples, parks and historical sites on the way. Have you been there before?
Baiyao Mountain 白药山
Address: Yanshang Village, Louta Town, Xiaoshan District 萧山区楼塔镇岩上村
Baiyao Mountain in Louta Town is quite famous in the region. The sightseeing trail of the mountain starts at Yanshang Village in Luta Town and ends at Daxuanling Village. It is totally 8 km long and was approved as the most beautiful greenway in Hangzhou in 2020.
Set among rolling mountains, the trail stretches like a flying dragon. It has 8,800 steps leading towards the top of the mountain, where there is a 15-metre-high two-storey observation deck, known as the Mirror Deck. Climb to the top and stand high. You will totally agree with the ancient saying "When you stand on the top, you seem to have the whole world."
Chaoshan Mountain 超山
Address: Chaoshan Mountain Scenic Area, Linping District 临平区超山风景名胜区
It is picturesque and shaded by lush greenery all over the mountain. Thus unlike the urban area, it is very cool and the beautiful setting also helps to beat the summer heat. Walk along the sightseeing trail and your eyes will be full of green woods.
As you approach the lake, the water reflects the vibrant mountains and the blue sky. Take a walk along the winding forest path, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy leisure time and lush greenery as far as the eye can see.
Tianmu Mountain 天目山
Address: Tianmu Mountain Scenic Area, Lin’an District 临安区天目山景区
Surrounded by towering trees, Tianmu Mountain is a primeval forest that has stood silently for hundreds of millions of years. When you look up, you'll see lush greenery which will soothe your restless heart in summer.
You can also bring your friends and family for a fantastic forest music party and stay overnight in this pristine forest. Sleep in nature, under the stars, and experience a summer night without air conditioning and recapture the fun of your childhood.